Join us for a bike ride at the beach in memory of our niece Niamh Marie Knowles to raise money for Claire's House Hospice.

4pm, Saturday November 30th 2013 - Oceanside Strand

On July 27 a very special little baby girl arrived into our lives, Niamh Marie Knowles was born. Our niece was here and she was absolutely gorgeous. Her Mummy & Daddy loved their new baby girl and our entire family was smitten with her. We were all excited to spoil this cutie pie that we waited 9 months to see.

When she was just two weeks old, we got the call that Niamh was very ill. At first they thought it was Meningitis and she was given treatment at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in England. Her condition was very critical but she was so strong and fought through every impossible obstacle. We were all so happy & relieved. Then, at just over 3 weeks old Niamh's Mummy & Daddy got the news no parent should ever have to hear. Niamh had an inoperable brain tumor. 

Lucy and James showed great strength, and decided to move into Claire's House Children's Hospice with their daughter. (Claire's House is a 10 bed house located in Northwest England that provides respite, end of life, and bereavement care for children and young adults with complex medical needs ages 0-23) They provided much needed love, assistance and support to Lucy, James & Niamh. Our family will always be grateful to Claire's House for helping to make the most beautiful of memories like a trip to the zoo, Niamh's one month birthday, an amazing photoshoot and the opportunity to go swimming with her parents for the first time. 

On the 16th of September Niamh went to be with God. Our hearts broke. Niamh lived for 51 days and changed all of our lives for the better. She brought us all together and taught us so much as did her parents. Lucy & James loved their daughter so much and even though they are experiencing such a great loss, they continue to think of others.

Niamh did so much good and they want to continue her legacy. Her Mummy and Daddy couldn't think of a better way of doing that then by raising money for Claire's House. The entire family is working on raising money to pay for one day of operating costs at Claire's House which is approximately $10,000. Lucy & James would like to see other families in similiar situations receive the same love, care and support that they received. It will also mean that a day can be dedicated in Niamh's name for the family to celebrate and honor her memory.

So here's our idea...we want to ask you to join our family for a sunset bike ride at Oceanside Strand on Saturday, November 30th, 4:00 pm. Bring the whole family for a cruise along the beach. Please consider making any donation you can to this organization that helps families walk through the toughest of all days. You can donate even if you can't join us for the ride.

Thank you so much and we hope to see you on Nov. 30th

Love,

Steve & MaryEllen